Managing Side Effects of Rectal Cancer Treatment in Singapore

Rectal cancer develops when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably in the rectum, which is the final section of the large intestine. It typically begins as small polyps that may become cancerous over time if not detected and removed early. This article explains common side effects of rectal cancer treatment and practical ways to manage them during and after treatment, so patients know what to expect.

How is Rectal Cancer Treated in Singapore?

Rectal cancer treatment usually involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Surgery aims to remove the cancerous tissue and may be performed using open or minimally invasive techniques. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are often used to shrink tumours before surgery or to prevent recurrence. Each treatment plan is tailored to the patient’s cancer stage, overall health, and treatment goals.

Common Side Effects After Rectal Cancer Treatment

Patients may experience several side effects during and after rectal cancer treatment: 

Digestive Changes: Bowel patterns may change, leading to diarrhoea, constipation, or irregular movements. Some patients develop temporary food intolerances or experience nausea and reduced appetite.

Fatigue: Cancer treatment often causes ongoing tiredness that does not fully improve with rest.

Skin and Wound Reactions: Radiotherapy can cause redness and dryness in the treated skin area, while surgical wounds require careful care to prevent infection.

Managing Side Effects of Rectal Cancer Treatment

Digestive Support: Eat soft, easy-to-digest foods at first and drink plenty of fluids to keep your bowels moving comfortably. If you avoid certain foods during treatment, reintroduce them slowly to see how your body responds.

Fatigue Management: Break tasks into smaller steps and rest when needed. Light activities such as short walks or gentle stretching can help improve your energy levels over time.

Skin and Wound Care: Keep surgical wounds clean and dry, following your colorectal surgeon’s instructions. For areas affected by radiotherapy, use mild moisturisers and wear loose, comfortable clothing to reduce irritation.

When to See a Specialist

Contact a colorectal and general surgeon in Singapore immediately if you experience:

Severe digestive symptoms: Ongoing vomiting, severe abdominal pain, or inability to keep fluids down for more than 24 hours.

Signs of infection: Fever over 38°C, chills, or redness, swelling, or discharge from a surgical wound.

Unusual bleeding: New or increased bleeding from the surgical area or rectum.

Severe weakness or dizziness: Feeling too weak for daily tasks or light-headed when standing.

Conclusion

Managing the side effects of rectal cancer treatment is an important part of your recovery. Understanding what to expect and knowing when to seek medical advice can help you feel more confident as you heal. 

If you are experiencing persistent symptoms, have concerns about your recovery, or wish to discuss your treatment options, schedule a consultation with our qualified colorectal and general surgeon in Singapore for personalised care and expert guidance.